Phoebe Clifford MSc Sociology and Social Policy
Hi, I'm Phoebe Clifford and I am studying MSc Sociology and Social Policy.
My degree has been vital to obtaining postgraduate employment. During the application process, I drew heavily on examples from my studies which helped to show my suitability to the role.
Why did you choose to study at Southampton? What attracted you to the University of Southampton?
The primary reason why I chose to study at the University of Southampton was that it offered a niche course. Furthermore, as a Russell Group university, it has a prestigious reputation that I believed would make me more employable. I also really liked the layout of the University, the campus is beautiful and has more of a community feel than other city-based universities.
What is it like studying here?
Academically speaking, the experience has been amazing. The University has some of the most engaging lecturers I have come across. Also, whenever I have had any concerns about the material, they are more than happy to give additional support which is something I really value. In addition to this, I really could not praise the SSP (Sociology and Social Policy) department enough. They have offered me prompt help during my studies, and have always been empathetic to any issues raised with them. In terms of the city, there is so much to do in Southampton. It’s really handy to have an abundance of shops and restaurants nearby, whilst still being able to enjoy the quiet, natural beauty of the campus.
How do you rate the study facilities at the University?
I am the kind of student who really relies on having an appropriate workspace to be able to study efficiently. As I commute to university, a big factor in choosing Southampton for me was being able to have access to adequate facilities to be able to study on campus. The campus library is beautiful and has a plethora of resources available which I have relied upon throughout my studies. Furthermore, it is well thought out in terms of providing additions which are particularly useful to students (such as microwaves, hot water taps etc). I also spend a lot of time in the Global Lounge, as well as the Century Building. Both these spaces have plenty of room to be able to study, which is something I have struggled with at other institutions.
What are you most proud of from your time at Southampton so far?
Before coming to the university, I had very strict notions of what I believed I was able to do. For me, anything numbers based was something I was simply ‘not good’ at. However, as I wanted to follow a career in research, I chose my postgraduate course with the view that it would help me to feel more confident in this area. This was the best decision I could have made! The lecturers started off with the basics and explained every step of quantitative research in great detail. I spent additional time rewatching lectures and completing extra reading in the library to improve my understanding in this area. At the end of the module, I received one of the highest grades I have ever managed during my university studies. I now feel much more confident in this area, and have a graduate role which relies heavily upon the skills I learnt.
What do you think you have gained from your studies that you wouldn’t have developed without them?
At the beginning of my postgraduate studies, I was quite shy and hated sharing my ideas in class discussions. However, the feedback that I received from my assignments helped to boost my confidence and make me feel like my contributions were worthwhile. Every academic I have spoken to at the university has always been more than happy to discuss my ideas with me, and have taken additional time to talk through any concerns I had regarding my submissions. This friendly and helpful attitude helped me to become comfortable sharing my ideas; a vital skill for my progression.
How have the people you have met at Southampton changed your life?
The people I have met on my postgraduate course have made my experience at the university smooth sailing. As I commute from Portsmouth, I knew nobody on the course and was very nervous during the first few weeks. However, getting to know my fellow course mates helped me to settle into the course. Everyone I have met here has been so friendly, and I am glad to have been able to have that support during my time at the University.
What will you do with your degree/research after you have finished your studies?
My degree has been vital to obtaining my postgraduate employment. I have recently accepted a role as a Research Assistant at the Association of Convenience Stores. During the application process, I drew heavily on examples from my studies which helped to show my suitability to the role. Furthermore, specialising in the research pathway in my course built upon the research skills I developed in my undergraduate study. Whilst this not only solidified my passion for research, it presented me with the tools to be able to apply this to a working environment. I believe I would not have had the knowledge to obtain my postgraduate role without my studies at the University of Southampton.